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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Mixing it Up for Spring

Mother Nature definitely gave us the cold shoulder
this winter.

But, suddenly, you can feel the warmth of her smile
as spring bursts forth all around us.Of
course, she still has that wicked sense of humor.Instead of my car being buried under a foot
of snow, it’s now covered with an inch of pollen – nice one, Mother
Nature.Achoo to you, too!!Please pass the Zyrtec!

Allergies aside,
I do love the fragrant bouquet of colors and patterns that is spring.It’s time to pack away your dark, winter
neutrals and experiment with mixing colors and patterns in new and exciting
ways.

If that sounds a
bit intimidating and out of your comfort zone, let’s start off with three
outfits that will ease you from “That’s interesting” to “Wow!!”Are you ready?(All pieces are available on line at
Talbots.)

Here we have my
favorite spring pattern, the polka dot (it’s a perennial, and it’s back!!), in
a ¾ jacquard coat ($199), mixed with a colorful, striped, crewneck sweater
($79.59) over a dark wash ankle jean ($79.50).This is an absolutely fool proof way to mix patterns while still playing
it safe (the polka dots are small and discreet).

Basically, you’ve
taken two neutral pieces and added one bright piece and one bright accessory,
the candy apple suede flats ($119).

The ¾ coat, also
called a duster, is the perfect alternative to the spring coats we used to wear
as kids, and the length makes it far more versatile.It works beautifully, not just over trousers,
but over skirts of any length.

Here we stay
strictly neutral with classic black and white, but by mixing texture and
pattern, we’ve kicked it up a notch.A
black cardigan with large, white polka dots ($89.50) over a white shirt with
small, black polka dots ($69.50) and a black-and-white, plaid pencil skirt
($99) adds an interesting twist to the classic black and white theme.

Staying with
classic black and white, this deep V-neck black pullover ($89.50) over a scoop
neck white tee ($24.50) paired with white crepe, wide leg trousers with great, slimming
dark stripes ($119) is a very flattering silhouette for every body type.(M-T Note:Wider stripes set farther apart are
actualy more slimming than small pinstripes or railroad stripes.)Think you can’t wear white trousers?Think again.

The fabrics drape
beautifully and the jasmine blue scarf ($59.50) adds just the right pop of
color.

Ready for
something a bit more daring?O.K., let’s
add a bigger dollop of color.

Remember that
classic yellow raincoat you wore as a kid?Well, it looks great on big kids, too, especially when you pair it
($149) with a navy blue and ivory sweater ($79.50) with a brightly patterned
shirt ($69.50) peeking out of the bateau neckline.

No doubt about
it; the star of this ensemble is the lace, A-line skirt in bright nectarine
($149).What a beautiful color for
spring!!The denim shirt ($69.50) is a
great touch, adding a casual twist to a dressy skirt, and the striped cardigan ($79.50)
in indigo and white tops everything off beautifully.

The mosaic bead
necklace picks up all the colors in this outfit and pulls them all together beautifully.The mix of textures really takes this outfit
to the next level.

M-T Note:Don’t be afraid of horizontal stripes.It’s all in the width of the stripe and how
it’s worn.

Now this outfit
doesn’t speak, it absolutely sings easy, breezy spring.The Breton striped sweater ($89.50) with a
wide band of papaya across the top over a pair of etched, floral pants ($89.50)
in nectarine, is such a great way to mix patterns.The metallic moccasins ($119) in pale gold
are a great choice – just enough color and texture to add interest, but neutral
enough NOT to fight for attention.

Not into planting, hoeing
and weeding this spring?Why not wear
your spring garden?A bit risky, I
admit.This whimsical garden sweater
($89.50) may look like something your Granny might wear, but she probably
wouldn’t have thought to pair it with a polka dot shirt ($69.50) that peaks out
at the neckline, cuffs and hemline and slimming ankle jean ($79.50) in
white.Although……..she’d probably love
the gladiola moccasins ($109).

M-T Note: If you go for a big
and bold print, make sure it fits close to your body.Avoid bulky materials and keep the rest of
the outfit simple.

Here I must admit
to having a bit of a fashion quirk about white pants with white shoes – boring!!We can do better.But then, maybe that’s just me.What do you think??Do you like white pants with white
shoes?

I don't 'love' some of the combinations but can see alternatives. Perhaps I am a bit too formal in my clothing choices. As for white shoes with white pants, I don't mind it, depending on what one is wearing on top. I find in Australia, we generally show naturally tanned legs, and I think we can get away with it. Having said that, I am a lover of red shoes, in both summer and winter. A red shoe with white pants and some contrasting red up top - including a red lip, looks great I think. Thanks M-T

I don't mind at all that you didn't 'love' some of the combinations. They are meant to inspire and tweak you a bit. Nothing wrong w/being formal in your clothing choices, although spring is the time to be a bit adventurous and to try new things. Ohhh, what I wouldn't give to have a pair of beautifully tanned legs. How lucky you Aussies are.

I do share your love of red shoes, as you probably know from some of my previous posts, and the combination you suggest (red shoes, white pants, contrasting top and red lips) is just fabulous! Thanks for sharing that w/us.

Dearest Marie-Thérèse,Love the plaid skirt and the yellow rain coat the most! Yes, I do have white pants and also white shoes... but we still need some more summery feeling for actually wearing them well.Sending you hugs, I'm still not caught up since friend Mariëlle left. She only had one week with us; too short but still a lovely time for visiting from The Netherlands.We lost both our Moms in January... Sending you hugs,Mariette

Talbots has sure changed since I last looked! I always thought of it a stodgy stuff. What a nice surprise! Great pairing and suggestions. Being a Polka Dot 'holic, I think I need to get myself one. Let's talk next week and brew up some fun/trouble. Xoxo Kennifer

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